Increase in demand hurting rather than helping

For gun and ammo supplier Jamie Hargett of Thompsonville, the increase in demand for what he supplies is hurting business rather than helping it.

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By Gina Blankenship

The Daily Register - Harrisburg, IL

By Gina Blankenship

Posted Mar. 18, 2013 at 3:20 PM
Updated Mar 18, 2013 at 3:26 PM

By Gina Blankenship

Posted Mar. 18, 2013 at 3:20 PM
Updated Mar 18, 2013 at 3:26 PM

THOMPSONVILLE

For gun and ammo supplier Jamie Hargett of Thompsonville, the increase in demand for what he supplies is hurting business rather than helping it.

Hargett opened his store, Country Boys Gun N Ammo in June 2012 with money he received after cashing out his retirement savings. Now the balance of his future rests in the hands of lawmakers and ammunition suppliers.

"Gun sales depend on ammunition supply," said Hargett who believes that people are less likely to purchase a gun when ammunition is hard to buy for it or being rationed.

"I have five ammunition suppliers. When I call them they all tell me they are dry," he said. His shelves are dry as well. The only ammunition he hasn’t sold out of is 9 mm bullets.

With humor he points out the irony that pistols and small handguns typically carried by armed criminals, are currently his top sellers because of availability of ammunition.

Hargett says he's always been a sportsman and always loved guns. "The people who need the guns, will be the people who won't be able to get them." Hargett is referring to hunters namely in rural areas who typically use rifles and other higher powered guns to hunt, not commit crimes.

In addition to being a business owner he is also a volunteer firefighter and first responder in his town. He is currently going to school to be an EMT in case his investment doesn't pan out.

He blames the shortage of ammunition on legislation and the current administration. Both he and his wife Carrie agree the fear of losing the right to bear arms drove people to stockpiling ammunition over five years ago, creating a shortage in supply.

Now all he can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst. He applauds the hard work of Senator Bradley and Senator Forby. Both are currently trying to pass legislation in favor of the Second Amendment.